Mexico come from behind to reach their first Olympic men’s final as Japan’s
dreams of double football gold were dashed.

The Japanese men looked likely to join their women’s team, who play the United States in their final on Thursday, in setting up a gold medal match at London 2012 when a superb third goal of the tournament from Yuki Otsu gave them an early lead in Tuesday’s semi-final.

But Marco Fabian, Oribe Peralta and substitute Javier Cortes turned the game around as Mexico set up a final appearance on Saturday and left their opponents playing for bronze.

Japan took the lead after 12 minutes thanks to a stunning strike from Otsu. Mexico goalkeeper Jose Corona, who had already tipped a Hiroshi Kiyotake shot wide, was helpless as Otsu’s instant control from Keigo Higashi’s pass set up a 20-yard half-volley the forward sent into the top corner.

It was the first time the Central Americans had trailed at the Olympics and they now needed to become the first side to score against Japan.

In the 31st minute, a corner from Tottenham’s Giovani Dos Santos was flicked on by Jorge Enriquez and Fabian nodded home from close range.

Mexico completed their comeback in the 65th minute when Japan’s Takahiro Ohgihara dallied and was robbed by Peralta, who replied with an impressive finish into the top corner. In the final minute of added time Cortes confirmed Mexico’s victory.